Venus Williams bows out of US Open with straight-sets defeat to Sofia Kenin

Published On 31 Aug 202631 Aug 2026.

What happened

American wildcard Sofia Kenin beat 46-year-old compatriot Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6(6) in a ⁠⁠US Open first-round match ⁠⁠that began past midnight in New York, the latest start in women's tournament history.

Notably, the match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday obtained under way after Novak Djokovic's loss to Mariano Navone in five sets, with a sizable contingent of fans staying on well past midnight for one more look at Williams. This person was playing as a wildcard in her 96th career Grand ⁠⁠Slam main draw appearance.

"It was extremely late, " Williams remarked to journalists. "I've never played a match that late before, and I was happy to see that so plenty of residents stuck around for that. It was a real honour to play in front of them."

The bottom line

For now, venus Williams bows out of US Open with straight remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.